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Are you tryiong to trot him or does he hit a trot when transitioning from a slower gait to say a canter? I hope you are not trying to trot him purpose because that sort of defeats the luxury of having a gaited horse:) I would try half halts. It will transfer the weight back to the rear end while keeping him working on the bit and becoming more sensitive to your body weight shift and light hands.

its when he's shifting gears from walk up to his faster gaits he seems to get stuck in 2nd gear and I have slow him down to keep my seat which defeats the purpose of speeding him up to his gait.

I rode tonight. zee was again hard from walk to his faster gaits . he gaited fine fror a little while then he went to a smooth lope/canter i tried to keep my hands neutral and sit on my pockets but when we slowed from the lope back to a walk again bouncy as a rubber ball

It sounds like you are starting to get the right idea. Collection, as well as drive will keep him in gait. You say it will take time. But try not to let him trot at all, so he will get the idea of what you want. The more he trots the more he will think that's his job. Keep your reins in good contact at all times. As soon as he starts to trot, quickly stop him and try again. You mentioned you are sitting on your pockets. That's good. Also be sure your shoulders are remaining behind your belt buckle as well. Shorten your reins and drive him forward. Never loosen the reins or lean forward to ask him to speed up.